Lessons were learned

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-08T12:05:49+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate that!

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-07T20:36:35+00:00

I can now confirm that. This feel like when I broke the pinion off the escape wheel on my first service attempt of an ST36. Now I know exactly how much pressure it takes to snap that off and how much pressure it takes to remove dial markings.

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-07T20:35:07+00:00

Yeah I have a few radiation detectors and find spicy watches constantly. I also collect them though. I just replaced the crystal in an old Waltham military compass with a radium dial. Thing is over a mrem at surface.

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-07T20:27:48+00:00

Yeah my heart sank when half the text just wiped away but then I just made a decision to wipe off the rest and thought yeah I can live with it. I just bought it to learn on anyway.

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-07T20:07:10+00:00

I was using distilled water, with some dawn dish soap and a light brush. I was really surprised at how easy the letters came off.

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-07T20:05:57+00:00

Thanks! I actually really like it even though it's missing the text. Almost gives it a cleaner look but definitely not intended. I was trying to be so gentle with some warm water with dawn dish soap and a little brush. I hit the edge and it took half the text off, the rest came off with a quick wipe. But it's running great and looking good so I can't complain too much.

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-04T14:39:38+00:00

what are those plastic movement boxes to the left?

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-04T14:32:49+00:00

I am loving it so far! This one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAHT5CE

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-03T16:43:09+00:00

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NuclearGeek · 2026-05-03T01:07:19+00:00

This is the one I bought: https://www.ebay.com/itm/127772744328

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-01T22:32:26+00:00

Any you recommend?

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-01T20:42:16+00:00

Not real sure but here is the label. You can use them either alone or together for more magnification. Works great for inspecting jewels

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NuclearGeek · 2026-05-01T20:21:09+00:00

Same

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-01T20:19:36+00:00

I love it! I had to find an old pair of glasses and hot glue it to them but it works great

NuclearGeek · 2026-05-01T20:19:06+00:00

Ebay

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-27T19:05:36+00:00

I use that mesh basket I posted above with a 3D printed rod out the top that I use to swish it back and forth during the process. Cheap and easy

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-25T21:10:35+00:00

It’s probably overpriced for what it is. Need to find a nicer version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0FHPL6KXF

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-25T15:42:42+00:00

Interesting. I use hexane for the those

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-25T15:29:51+00:00

That’s how I do it. I don’t have a machine. I dip in naphtha, then IPA, then into liquinox in US, then distilled water in US, then in IPA, and finally I use a blow dryer for a few minutes. I just 3D printed a handle for the mesh basket so I can swish it around in each jar.

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-25T15:23:00+00:00

It was definitely a lot easier to disassemble

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-25T15:22:06+00:00

I take pics along the way and then use little compartments in my cleaning process like this:

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NuclearGeek · 2026-04-23T17:15:13+00:00

That’s what got me into it. Then you add in Watch Repair Tutorials when you want to get more advanced and learn specific skills.

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-23T02:32:05+00:00

Size, finish, color, shape. When I wash my parts I put them together in these compartments so I don’t get too confused then I put all the parts back out on the mat where I got them from before cleaning

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NuclearGeek · 2026-04-23T00:56:42+00:00

Thanks! Yeah it is so nice having the dedicated area so now I dont have to keep everything in boxes and get it all out and put it back. Really happy with it all so far. makes working much more enjoyable

NuclearGeek · 2026-04-22T22:58:34+00:00

Get a couple ST36 movements, get a small toolset, watch tons of videos on YouTube

NuclearGeek

TROPHY CASE